In Buffalo and beyond, love for Sabres hockey transcends the walls of KeyBank Center. It is the connective tissue between grandparents and grandchildren, sons and mothers, wives and husbands. It’s the spark that ignites lifelong friendships.

With Buffalo on the verge of returning to the playoffs for the first time in 14 years, the Sabres’ photography team captured fans around Western New York who shared stories of what Sabres hockey means to them.